Dear Mr. Lehman, 

The city of Barrie is facing so many struggles when it comes to the Gypsy Moth Caterpillar infestation that is currently taking place.

Our trees can not stand up to this. It is out of control. 

Many people are facing rashes and severe reactions to contact with them, as well as respiratory reactions when the tiny hairs that can float through the wind are inhaled, which is unfortunately unavoidable unless we hide in our homes. 

We have seen thousands of them on our playgrounds, front porch areas, backyards, lawn furniture, trampolines, etc. For the kids that are severely allergic to a lot of things and already have skin conditions, they are even more susceptible to a reaction to these Gypsy Moth Caterpillars. 

The taping of trees hasn't reduced them and has been said to be unsafe, as they are everywhere and unavoidable.

Every time we walk out the door, we end up covered in them. We can't even enjoy the great outdoors. During the lockdown, while kids are remote learning, not being able to go outside and experience fresh air and exercise, is having a huge impact on our mental health. 

Many have broken out in welts and pus from contact with these Gypsy Moth Menaces. With so many other people suffering, it is scary to think we will have to spend this time inside to avoid this. 

PLEASE, WE are BEGGING you, help the entire city of Barrie deal with these pests. SOMETHING more needs to be done because the "measures" that are being taken now are seemingly not working. Whether you Aerial spray, or targeted Aerial spray, or something else besides what has already been done, there HAS to be something that can effectively be done to deal with this issue.

Gypsy Moths are going to ruin our trees, but they are also ruining our spring/summer.

 

Other regions and municipalities that are taking on the spraying of gypsy moths and protecting their trees and properties:

Brantford, Ontario - https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/grca-to-spray-for-gypsy-moth-caterpillars

Halton Region - https://bayobserver.ca/2021/05/13/aerial-gypsy-moth-spraying-coming-to-halton/

Lambton Shores, Ontario - https://blackburnnews.com/sarnia/sarnia-news/2021/05/17/lambton-shores-aerial-spraying-set-control-gypsy-moth-infestation/

London, Ontario - https://getinvolved.london.ca/gypsy-moth

Mississauga, Ontario - https://www.insauga.com/mississauga-wants-to-eradicate-invasive-caterpillar-at-several-parks-in-the-city

Norfolk County - https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/norfolk-to-spray-for-gypsy-moth-caterpillars

Oakville, Ontario - https://oakvillenews.org/oakville-community-news/oakville-action-control-gypsy-moth-infestation/

Paris, Ontario - https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/grca-to-spray-for-gypsy-moth-caterpillars

Sarnia, Ontario - https://www.theobserver.ca/news/local-news/gypsy-moth-spraying-delayed